Overview
When the Beagle docked in Angra do Heroismo on its return journey from the Galapagos Islands, Darwin couldn’t resist exploring the island of Terceira. You’ll follow in Darwin’s footsteps on two wheels, during a self-guided cycling holiday on Terceira, riding the Darwin Trail in the company of our local cycling guide and seeing all the beautiful landscape has to offer. Spanning 8 days, you’ll visit the stunning coastline and dramatic interior of the Terceira island in the Azores.
Your self-guided cycling holiday begins in the historic town of Angra, the first settlement in the Azores to be granted city status due to its significance as a maritime hub for ships sailing between Europe, the West Indies and the Americas. The city suffered considerable damage during a major earthquake on New Year’s Day 1980 – repairs where completed by the end of 1983 and the city was awarded UNESCO status.
Having explored the Darwin Trail with our guide, you’ll then complete a three day, self-guided cycling holiday throughout the island.
There’s also time away from cycling, with a visit to the Algar do Carvao, a unique 3000 year old volcanic chimney which was formed by two major eruptions (1000 years apart), when the island was still volcanically active.
You’ll also spend a day with our local guide exploring the Reserva Florestal Natural Parcial do Biscoitos da Ferraria on foot: a protected reserve at the centre of the island. 20% of the island is classified as a protected Natural Park, with the aim of conserving what remains of the island’s Laurel Forests. Laurels were once common across mainland Europe before disappearing naturally due to glaciation.
Terceira provides a glimpse of how the islands of the Azores must have looked when the first settlers arrived, before the Laurel forests here were also (almost) destroyed. A self-guided cycling holiday is the optimum way to view the beauty this area offers.
Itinerary
Price Per Person
We can create a tailor-made holiday to suit your budget.
Jan
£NA
Feb
£NA
Mar
£NA
Apr
£998
May
£998
Jun
£1180
Jul
£1180
Aug
£1272
Sep
£1180
Oct
£998
Nov
£NA
Dec
£NA
INCLUDED : accommodation on B&B sharing basis, airport and luggage transfers, four days bike and helmet hire, maps and route notes, a full day guided cycle ride, a full day guided walk, flights and airport taxes (guide price only), pre-departure information booklet. EXCLUDED : meals (other than breakfast) and travel insurance.
Accommodation
You'll be staying in a converted 16th century fortress ideally positioned above the marina in Angra for most of your week. It's in a quiet location but just 5 minutes walk into town. And also in two other locations around the coast during your cycle journey.
Activities
With a mix of cycling and guided walking, you'll explore both the gentle coastline and the dramatic interior of this beautiful island.
Location
An island of traditional coastal villages and wild interior moorland and of course its famous capital, Angra do Heroismo, a UNESCO World Heritage town.
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